This paper reports on the use of continuous assessment in a statistics course for social scientists, in which assignments are open-ended and use real data. It was found that those students who carry out the majority of the assignments score higher examination marks than do the rest. (Author/MN)

The author was a member of a 23-man delegation of mathematics educators that recently toured the People's Republic of China observing the mathematics education scene. This paper describes the author's observations during his tour and discusses the new mathematics climate in China. (Author/MN)

This study tested the existence of a positive relationship between interest and verbal problem solving when problems are set in the area of interest assessed among secondary school students. There was no evidence to indicate that prior knowledge of interests would help to predict with which type of problem a student would be most successful.…

In this study, the subjects were found to produce better estimates of standard deviations by using a "range rule" than by a direct estimation procedure, particularly when the sample variances were small. No differences were found in the subjects' performance in making direct estimates of standard deviations and variances. (Author/MN)

The new, and prevalent, raised-dash notation (for subtraction) appearing in school mathematics texts is examined, especially for its effects on students' computational skills. Reasons for a return to the standard notation of the centered dash are presented. (Author/MN)

This paper analyses three well-known paradoxes to show how mathematical statements can cause mental disharmony. The outcome forms a basis for a psychological theory of confusion in mathematics learning which has important implications for classroom practice and curriculum innovation. (Author/MN)

The authors report on the stage of a project (tertiary education in applied mathematics, TEAM) aimed at investigating first-year students' expectations and preferences and lecturers' aims in relation to first-year undergraduate mathematics courses. (Author/MN)

Based on the assumption that educators need to be concerned with the quality of relationships between faculty and students, an alternative advising model is proposed that enhances the behavioral requirements of creative learning. The "advising" function is viewed as a teaching-consulting function. (Author/LBH)

The feasibility of private liberal arts college involvement with adult and continuing education is examined in terms of a model, which sponsors an Employee Learning Program. Course offerings have received positive support from the college faculty and administration, cautious involvement by business and industry, and meager interest from organized…

The structure and budget for a proposed center for nontraditional learning are delineated. Establishment of sponsored and unsponsored divisions is advocated. The center would help students determine life goals, learning goals, and learning styles. Development of a credentialing procedure for unsponsored learning is described. (Author/LBH)

A field experience in fashion marketing for Kansas State University students is described. The functions and responsibilities of the coordinator, the student, and the departmental supervisor are outlined, along with the evaluation processes used. (Author/LBH)

Two baccalaureate-level programs that sought to make their educational outcomes explicit within competency-based education (CBE) are compared. The CBE programs in social work, the learning contracts involved, and assessment techniques are described for programs at the University of Montana and the University of Georgia.

A program at Arizona State, Selected Studies in Education, is described which prepares undergraduates for a vast array of educational opportunities alongside the more traditional programs. Specific implications are listed for developing a similar differentiated teacher education program at other institutions. (Author/LBH)

The Centennial Education Program at the University of Nebraska piloted an Artist in Residence Program that has significant potential for serving both the student body and the larger community. It provided a mechanism for revitalizing the Centennial interdisciplinary curriculum on a regular basis. (Author/LBH)

Major political and economic forces, which affect the provision of primary health services, particularly to underserved populations, are reviewed. Technological, professional, governmental, fiscal, and societal solutions are proposed. (GC)